Nevada residents urged to vaccinate pets against rabies

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is reminding residents to protect themselves and their pets against rabies following the confirmation of the disease in bats in Nevada. The NDA Animal Disease Laboratory confirms rabies in multiple bats from across the state every year, highlighting the importance of vaccination and vigilance. Since the beginning of the year, the laboratory has identified three bats from Lyon, White Pine and Clark counties that tested positive for rabies.

"Rabies can be effectively controlled with proper vaccination," said NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Peter Rolfe, DVM. "Keeping pets up to date on vaccines is the best way to protect both animals and the people around them."

Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock and humans. In Nevada, bats are active from May through October and can enter homes or barns undetected. While bats are the most common source of transmission in the state, other wildlife can also carry the virus.

"Annual monitoring in Nevada continues to identify bats that test positive for rabies, reinforcing the need for preventive care," added Laura Morrow, NDA Animal Disease Laboratory supervisor. "Testing helps us track where the virus is present and provide information to the public and animal health agencies, supporting their response to potential exposures." 

Nevada law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccines are also available for certain livestock species. Animal owners should work with their veterinarians to maintain an appropriate vaccination schedule. 

"Maintaining current rabies vaccinations for pets and avoiding direct contact with wildlife are critical steps in reducing risk," said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea, DVM. "Bats, in particular, should never be handled, as they can carry rabies even when no obvious signs of illness are present."

For more information on rabies prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at cdc.gov/rabies or contact the Southern Nevada Health District, Northern Nevada Public Health or your local veterinarian.

Anyone who encounters a bat or other wildlife that may have rabies should contact their local animal control office, vector control or health department for assistance. Do not attempt to pick up the bat without guidance.  

Suspected rabies exposure or cases in animals should be reported to the NDA Animal Disease Laboratory at (775) 353-3709 or diseasereporting@agri.nv.gov.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada's agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. The department's $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture's school and community nutrition programs.    

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